For a school that hasn’t been open a decade yet, Ponte Vedra has already positioned itself as one of the top programs in the Greater Jacksonville Area.
Finishing at the top of the district last year and 4-0 in those games, the Sharks and head coach Matt Toblin expect even greater dominance this year.
One big reason? Senior QB Nick Tronti.
Tronti broke his collarbone at the end of last season, but Toblin says he has recovered “completely”.
Tronti is one of the biggest quarterback recruits in the area going into this year, and hopes to benefit the team with his experience.
The Sharks are assisted by their strong offensive line that features several seniors and some promising juniors. The defensive line is also outstanding and looks to continue to be that way in 2016.
RB Hal Swan, the team’s probable leading rusher in 2016, is an outstanding, tough runner, and also caught a pass from Tronti in the spring game, leading to hopes that the two will make a fantastic tandem for the offense.
Overall, 2015 was a great year for the Sharks, who ended 8-3 with several blistering wins, like the 70-0 win over Wolfson and 48-25 win over Westside. However, Ponte Vedra lost to Ribault in the first round of the playoffs: they need to stay healthy heading into the postseason for next year to have a shot at a state berth.
Their schedule lends itself well to several big wins, including Arlington Country Day, Palatka, Wolfson, Westside, Terry Parker, and Creekside to round out their regular season. They must get past rival Nease and their star senior QB on August 26th, and Bartram Trail on October 7th.
Ponte Vedra is headed for a big run this year.
Ponte Vedra Sharks
Ponte Vedra Hopes To Break Out In Playoffs
Written by Kim Hoy
Photo by Kim Hoy
